Elisa Bermudez

Elisa Bermudez studied communication and global journalism at Drexel University, she later obtained a master of arts in research journalism from Northeastern University. She has acquired a combination of news reporting experience and public relations for the non-profit sector where she had the opportunity to work closely with the local Hispanic community and cases of press freedom violations from Latin America. Her former employers include The Associated Press, Reporters Without Borders and Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Inc. Bermudez hopes her background in journalism and communications bring a non-fiction component to Spanish literature at the same time she learns more about literature, linguistics, cultural studies and pedagogy. Because she has always been interested in the field of humanities and communication at large, literature is not something unfamiliar in her life; in fact, what draw her to journalism was the exposure she received during childhood to all sorts of written material and art forms. Bermúdez has written few poems in English and Spanish (still in progress) and dived into photography where her predominant theme is people, culture and environment. Recently, she received the Bronze Award for the amateur category in the 2011 International Loupe Award based in Sidney, Australia. She is excited about joining the Hispanic Studies graduate program at Villanova because of the unique opportunity to expand her world beyond communications and journalism. Bermudez is confident that the program’s components in literature, linguistics, culture and pedagogy will complement beautifully to her background in communications. She is particularly interested in 20^th century and modern Latin American literature, Hispanic-American literature, historical linguistics and colloquial speech. She is a founder member of Drexel’s Cultural Diversity Student Association (CDSA) and Casa de Venezuela. She’s also a member of Bryn Mawr Film Institute. Bermudez was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela but grew up in Caracas and spent nearly two years living in the Venezuelan eastern plains. 

Lester Boj

"I earned my BA in Creative Writing and Spanish from Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ. My work has included teaching languages at various levels, freelance writing, and clinical translation. The Hispanic Studies graduate program at Villanova is the perfect place for me to gain a deeper understanding of literary theory as well as getting better acquainted with the works of the Spanish speaking world. I’ve always been fascinated by Latin-American issues and influence and the courses offered here afford the chance to expand my knowledge. My passions have always been writing and teaching – at Villanova I get to do both with the support and knowledge of a wonderful faculty. “

Ana-Gabriela Bornancini

I was born in Cordoba, Argentina, and my family moved to the United States when I was a child. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to grow up in a household where I was exposed to both Argentine culture and American culture, in addition to the Spanish and English languages. Along with my family, these elements have been the chief influence in spurring me to receive my BA in English and Spanish from Villanova in 2010. I now have the wonderful opportunity to serve as a Teaching Assistant in the Hispanic Studies graduate program at Villanova. Undoubtedly, teaching my own classes and having my own language students at the Introductory and Intermediate levels has become the most meaningful part of my experience here at the university.   I believe language learning fosters the confidence to interact with and actively engage another speaker, the keys of which include development of confidence and trust in the capability (and the inevitability) of one’s own growth, the motivation to do so, and the sincere understanding this learning process should not be measured by what a student does not know, but by what a student does know. I strive to make sure all my students leave my classroom having experienced this affirmative perception of their skills. This has inspired me to pursue teaching more than ever and I cannot wait to put what I have learned at this program into practice. In addition to teaching, I have also participated as a reviewer of Concept, the graduate student journal; am a member of TangoNova, the argentine tango club; and have also presented at the José María Arguedas Conference during the fall of 2011.

María José Calzado Saavedra

I’m from a tiny village in Extremadura, Spain and came all the way to this wonderful country to start the experience of my lifetime. I have a degree in English and American Studies from the University of Extremadura and spent a year abroad in the UK. I have always felt a passion for the US and I knew that my future would be here. Villanova University gave me the possibility of making my dreams come true. So here I am, about to start what will probably be the experience of a lifetime, both academically and personally. Since my previous studies have been the English language and culture, I felt I needed to extend my knowledge to those fields of Spanish literature that I have not studied so deeply. My previous experience as Spanish tutor of English speaking students has undoubtedly stimulated my interest in teaching and transmitting the values of my culture and people through my mother tongue. I definitely think this is a treasure, fostering students’ interest and knowledge of something which is an intrinsic part of me and a cornerstone of my identity, Spanish. I truly believe Villanova’s prestigious program will provide me with an excellent training which will eventually allow me to further widen my knowledge of Spanish literature and Spanish teaching methodology.

Paola Andrea Gower

received her Bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages from the University of Cauca in Colombia. Literature, politics, pedagogy and drama have played an important role in her life. She has always wanted to pursue a Master’s in one of these subjects to help complement her teaching profession. She additionally is working towards acquiring the ability to reveal the tense inadequacies that can be found in language through literature so that she may share them with her students. One of her main interests is Latin American writers, especially the authors that make part of magic realism. She also enjoys reading French playwrights and has a passion for the Russian author Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s literary work. Paola Andrea takes delight in attending an institution like Villanova where there is a cordial atmosphere and diverse student body that receives a high quality education.

Zachary Hayes

Grew up in the quieter, more wooded area of New Jersey. Received my B.A. from Villanova University in 2010, at which time I fell in love with the faculty over at Modern Languages and decided to return to pursue an M.A.. Looking forward to my first year in the Hispanic Studies program. My experience so far has been wonderful. During my time off between undergrad and now, I had attended some of the meetings of Pinzón 9, and was fortunate enough to engage with writing poetry in my second language. Though my scope now has been locked on poetry, I am excited to dive through the numerous other literary and linguistic worlds that await! zachary.hayes@villanova.edu

Elizabeth Leedy Krick

Elizabeth Leedy Krick studied Spanish and International Relations at Colgate University and later received a Masters in Teaching from the University of North Carolina. She is pursuing the Hispanic Studies program in order to enhance her teaching career. The professors at Villanova are each unique yet they share a passion for the subject matter which is clearly demonstrated through their teaching and interactions with students. The large range of courses within the program allows for students to pursue their own academic paths. It is a pleasure to attend class each week with other insightful students.

Desiree Maure

Desiree Maure comes to Villanova with her B.A. in Spanish and a k-12 teaching certificate from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.  She also studied in Cuzco, Peru and lived in Mendoza, Argentina, which ignited her interest to pursue research opportunities abroad and further deepen her understanding of differences among socio-cultural systems in Latin America and others throughout the globe.  By earning her M.A. in Hispanic Studies, Desiree hopes to further her professional goals to strengthen her geographic specialization and Spanish fluency, stimulate her teaching and promote cultural education and awareness.   Her interests include 20^th century Latin American literature and history, feminist thought and gender studies and the relationship between human rights, sustainable economic development and political stability in Latin America.

Nasser Meerkhan

Graduated in August 2011 from Damascus University. During my studies I have been most interested in linguistics and theater (acted in a play by Miguel Hernández and wrote a play.) I´m also interested in short stories (have won in third place in the competition held in Damascus University by the Spanish Embassy of Damascus for short stories in Spanish in 2010.) I look forward to exploring new areas and methods of learning. I´m most interested in acquiring a deeper knowledge of literary and cultural theories that are prominent in the Villanova graduate program in Hispanic Studies.    Nasser.meerkhan@villanova.edu 

Isabel Moreno Caro

I was born in Madrid, Spain, the beautiful country of flamenco and tapas. I grew up listening to the poetry of Ruben Dario in a very artistic family and since I was a kid I was in love with literature and imagination; as a result I went to school to study Library Science at the same time I read without stopping the Beat Generation novelists and French Poets. Later I decided to get another degree in Spanish Language and Literature from the University Complutense of Madrid to read and write more and more. I am passionate about Latinoamerican culture and I dream about becoming a good literature researcher, professor and writer. I am fortunate to be able to work as a teaching assistant in Villanova University, and to have this incredible opportunity to learn so much from a different perspective.   

Kimberly Ross

Kim was first exposed to Spanish in middle school, as a required class.  Spanish was fun, but never something she seriously considered pursuing.  Then, in 2000, Kim traveled to Barquisimeto, Venezuela where her interest in Spanish flared into a passion.  She continued her studies of Spanish in high school and then college, obtaining a B.A. in Spanish and French from Susquehanna University in 2006.  She has traveled to Spain (Andalucía), Chile (Santiago), and Argentina (Mar del Plata).   Two years ago, Kim was introduced to her brother, who had been given up for adoption in Puerto Rico.  His first language is Spanish, and it is that connection that strengthens their relationship. 

Majd Subih

I come from a Jordanian-Palestinian Family. I graduated two years ago from University of Jordan majored in Modern Languages Spanish & English (language & literature). I always had a passion for languages and writing that with time grew within me. Having learnt about this program, I am confident in saying that it represents a unique and powerful opportunity for me to achieve my goals, to grow, and further to develop my passion for writing and teaching. I felt welcomed here in Villanova even before I arrived in the U.S.  My experience so far had been outstanding , and I am very happy to be here and be part of the "family". Enjoying the journey.

Peter Wickman

This is my second year in the program. I studied Spanish in high school, but then stopped after just 3 courses in college. Later I received my B.S. in Biology from Gettysburg College in 2007. Yearning for something new I moved to Spain 3 months after graduation where I spent just over a year teaching in a public school in a little pueblo in Andalucía (Cambil, Jaén). It was there that I rediscovered my love for the language. Upon my return to the states I luckily found a job teaching Spanish in a private school. This Hispanic Studies program has helped me as a teacher, but it has also taught me how to analyze texts and think critically about literature. I have made some wonderful friends in the program, the classes are great, and the instructors are not only extremely knowledgable in their fields, but they are also available and eager to help the students.